Indonesia treats all travelers based on the passport they present at immigration. This includes dual nationals who might be used to switching between passports when traveling.
If you're a dual citizen traveling to Indonesia, there are specific rules you should understand. Here you'll find a clear explanation of how to prepare for your trip, including the Indonesia Customs Declaration (e-CD).
Dual Citizenship and Indonesian Law
Indonesia does not officially allow dual citizenship for adults. Only children under the age of 18 can hold 2 nationalities at the same time, and only temporarily.
This means that adults who are dual nationals and do not have Indonesian citizenship are treated like any other foreign visitor.
If you have no legal ties to Indonesia — for example, you were never an Indonesian citizen or your Indonesian citizenship expired after you acquired a second nationality — then your entry will be based entirely on the foreign passport you use.
Choosing the Right Passport for Entry into Indonesia
The passport you choose will affect your visa requirements and how you’re processed at the border. You should enter Indonesia using the passport that gives you the most convenient access.
If you have both a visa-free passport and a passport that requires a visa or travel permit, the easiest option is to use the one that requires no visa.
For example:
- Citizens of Japan, Germany, and the UK can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Citizens of India or China must apply for an eVOA (electronic visa on arrival) or a regular visa in advance.
If you have a both Japanese and Indian citizenship, it makes sense to use your Japanese passport.
Dual nationals often try to choose whichever passport offers the least paperwork or visa fees. Once you make that choice, you must stick with it. This includes:
- Booking your flight with that passport’s information
- Completing your Indonesia e-CD with that passport
- Presenting the same passport at customs and immigration
Any mismatch between passports and documents could cause delays or even refusal of entry.
Consequences of Switching Passports in Indonesia
Some dual nationals are used to switching passports mid-trip, especially when traveling between countries that allow it. That will not work in Indonesia.
If you enter the country with one passport and try to exit with another, you may face:
- Suspicion from border officers
- Delays and questioning
- Fines or denied exit
- A flag on your passport for future travel
The safest choice is to pick one passport and use it from the moment you check in to your flight until you leave Indonesia.
Entering Indonesia as a Foreign Dual National
As a dual citizen with no current Indonesian nationality, you’ll enter the country like any other foreigner. Your dual status has no impact on how Indonesia treats you at the border — the system only recognizes the passport you present.
Make sure the passport you plan to use:
- Has at least 6 months of validity
- Has at least one blank page for entry stamps
- Meets visa requirements or is eligible for visa-free entry
You should also check that your return flight matches the name and nationality of the passport you’re using. It’s common for airlines to double-check this during boarding.
The Indonesia e-CD for Foreign Visitors
All travelers, including Indonesians and foreigners, must fill out the Indonesia Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) before arriving.
The e-CD is a digital form that replaces the old paper customs form. It asks you to declare certain goods before entering the country.
Even if you’re not bringing anything unusual, you must still submit the e-CD before arriving. It’s a required step and may be checked by airline staff before departure.
Preparing for Arrival in Indonesia as a Dual Citizen
If you're traveling to Indonesia with dual citizenship and neither passport is Indonesian, follow these steps for a stress-free experience:
- Check the visa rules for each passport and pick the one with easier access.
- Verify that your chosen passport is valid for at least 6 months and has blank pages.
- Apply for a visa or eVOA, if required, for the passport you're using.
- Complete the Indonesia e-CD online before flying.
- Download or print the e-CD QR code, and keep it ready for arrival.
- Pack any items that require declaration in an accessible part of your luggage.
Providing you know the rules that apply to you and you follow them throughout your journey, you should have no trouble traveling to Indonesia as a dual citizen.
